CM performs Mahapuja with warkari couple at Pandharpur temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi

Kohapur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and his wife, Amruta, along with Kailas Damu Ugle and his wife, Kalpana, a warkari couple from Jategaon in Nashik district, performed the Mahapuja of Lord Vitthal and Rukhmini at the Pandharpur temple on Ashadhi Ekadashi early on Sunday.

According to a longstanding tradition, a selected warkari couple is given the opportunity to receive darshan and perform Mahapuja rituals alongside the chief minister on Ashadhi Ekadashi. This year, the Ugles were chosen. The warkari couple received a free state transport pass for a year from Fadnavis. More than 20 lakh warkaris, a pilgrim sect, had reached the temple town for Ashadi Ekadashi.

After the Mahapuja, Fadnavis said he prayed for the welfare of farmers. When questioned about reports of left-wing extremists infiltrating the annual wari (pilgrimage), Fadnavis said participating in the wari with a wrong agenda is inappropriate. "I prayed to Lord Vitthal to help farmers achieve a bountiful yield and ensure their welfare. Also, I sought strength and righteousness to work for the development of the state," the CM said. "People participate in the wari with only one thought in mind, which is to meet Vitthal and get his darshan. If someone participates with a wrong agenda, it is wrong," he added.

Fadnavis was responding to allegations by a Mahayuti MLC that left extremist-minded people and atheists have infiltrated the wari. Recently, a right-wing group demanded the cessation of the "sarkarikaran" of temples. Fadnavis said the existing law for temple management cannot be called "sarkarikaran".

Regarding opposition to the Pandharpur temple corridor plan, the CM said, "The administration has extensively held talks with local shop operators and residents of Pandharpur town. In no way will the plan be taken forward without consultation with the locals. Nobody's livelihood will be destroyed."

Fadnavis commended the administration's efforts to reduce darshan time by five hours and ensure a nirmal wari by thoroughly cleaning the town. Typically, it takes approximately 12-16 hours for warkaris to receive darshan. This time, the administration employed AI-enabled cameras to monitor turnout and anticipated more than 23 lakh attendees during Ashadhi Ekadashi and the following day.