A Spiritual Sojourn

Each year, as monsoon clouds gather over Maharashtra, lakhs of devotees set out on foot, singing and swaying in rhythm, bound for the temple town of Pandharpur. Their destination: a glimpse of Lord Vitthal on Ashadhi Ekadashi—a day that marks not only the peak of the Warkari pilgrimage but the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month spiritual retreat in the Hindu calendar. Also known as Devshayani or Maha Ekadashi, the festival is a vibrant expression of the Warkari Sampradaya’s core values: devotion over ritual, unity over hierarchy, and simplicity over splendour.

Warkaris observe a strict fast, sing abhangs and hymns, and journey on foot to Pandharpur in acts of collective devotion and surrender. The pilgrimage and the fast are believed to purify the soul and pave the path to moksha, or liberation. Weddings and other auspicious events are paused during this period, echoing the belief that the divine, too, is in retreat. In an age marked by haste and distraction, Ashadhi offers a moment of unity, simplicity, and introspection.

The day falls on Shukla Paksha in the Ashadha month. This auspicious occasion holds profound religious and spiritual significance for devotees. A legend underpins the observance of Ashadhi Ekadashi. Mandata, a righteous king from the Raghuwanshi dynasty, once faced a crippling drought in his realm. Seeking divine counsel, he turned to the sage Angiras, who advised him to observe Ekadashi in devotion to Lord Vishnu. The king complied, and the heavens soon opened. Rain returned, and the parched land was revived. This tale gave rise to the tradition of Shayani Ekadashi

The Ashadhi Ekadashi is a timeless march of faith. It falls during the same time which invite the monsoon season in the country. On this day the devotees keep fast the whole day and they go on long walk (Payi Dindi) in huge processions to Pandharpur. It is a model of sustainable living where all warkaris walk long distances without harming the environment, carry minimal belongings, and share community meals. It demonstrates the ideology of equality and inclusiveness in religion and society which inculcate the values of devotion, simplicity, brotherhood and discipline. It also promotes and creates awareness of selfless service, community harmony and inner purity. This ritual helps to cultivate a compassionate, ethical life rooted in values. The fast is renews our spiritual path and it is a very apt and perfect thesis and syntheses of Marathi culture.

The Warkari tradition draws deeply from the teachings of Bhakti saints such as Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Namdev and Eknath - spiritual reformers who championed heartfelt devotion over ritual formalism. Their verses, sung as abhangs and bhajans, echo through the Wari pilgrimage, which begins in Alandi and Dehu and culminates at Pandharpur on Guru Purnima.

Devotees refer to Lord Vitthal as Mauli (mother), reflecting a bond of deep affection and surrender. Clad in traditional dhotis and kurtas, Warkaris walk, sing and dance their way to Pandharpur in a moving spectacle of colour and faith. Ashadhi Ekadashi, which marks the onset of Lord Vishnu’s divine slumber, is also observed at home with rituals, prayers, and the placement of idols, invoking harmony and blessings. The day unites people across castes, classes and geographies in a vibrant affirmation of devotion.

Ashadhi Ekadashi is a spiritual and cultural pause in a fast-paced world. It is a day of fasting, devotion and introspection. Marked by holy dips in the Chandrabhaga river, chanting and prayers to Lord Vitthal and Rukmini, it holds deep significance for the Warkari sect. But well beyond religious ritual, what it embodies in a deeper sense is surrender, simplicity and spiritual discipline. In an age of distraction and disconnection, its timeless message of unity, devotion and inner peace offers us a much-needed anchor.

(The writer is an assistant professor of English literature. Views personal)