25 July,2026 11:55 AM IST | Pandharpur | mid-day online correspondent
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday performed the traditional Mahapuja at the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur with his wife, Amruta Fadnavis, on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, marking the culmination of the annual Wari pilgrimage undertaken by lakhs of devotees of Lord Vitthal.
The Chief Minister offered prayers for the prosperity of Maharashtra, the welfare of farmers and the country's youth, while also announcing that work on the proposed Pandharpur Temple Corridor will begin later this year.
Accompanied by his wife, Amruta Fadnavis, the Chief Minister performed the customary Mahapuja in the early hours of Saturday.
Speaking after the ceremony, Fadnavis said he prayed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to create new opportunities for the country's youth receive greater strength.
He also sought Lord Vitthal's blessings for peace, prosperity and happiness in Maharashtra, the well-being of farmers and the fulfilment of the aspirations of young people to help realise the vision of a "Viksit Bharat."
Following the Mahapuja, Fadnavis felicitated the Warkari couple, Balasaheb Mane and Prabhavati Mane, who were honoured during this year's Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations.
The Chief Minister also presented them with the Shri Vitthal Nirmal Dindi Award 2026, recognising their devotion and participation in the Warkari tradition.
Fadnavis said this year's Wari pilgrimage witnessed an unprecedented response, with devotees forming queues stretching for more than 25 kilometres to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.
"There is no other celebration in the world like this, where lakhs of devotees walk to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal without any invitation," he told reporters.
He added that the state administration had made extensive arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage and facilitate devotees visiting the temple.
The Chief Minister reiterated that construction of the proposed Pandharpur Temple Corridor will commence this year.
According to Fadnavis, the project aims to improve infrastructure around the temple and make the darshan process more convenient, orderly and efficient in view of the steadily increasing number of pilgrims visiting the shrine every year.
Fadnavis said the Maharashtra government's recent decisions on farm loan waiver and free electricity for farmers were taken in the spirit of serving the Warkari community.
He described service to the Warkaris as service to Lord Vitthal, adding that the state government remains committed to improving facilities for devotees while preserving the spiritual significance of the annual pilgrimage.
(With inputs from PTI)
