Nation Celebrates Ashadhi Ekadashi: Leaders Extend Wishes and Prayers

Prime Minister Modi and other key leaders extended their wishes on Ashadhi Ekadashi, emphasizing devotion, compassion, and societal prosperity. Devotees nationwide partook in prayers and rituals, marking the auspicious occasion with dedication to Lord Vitthal and Lord Vishnu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on the auspicious day of Ashadhi Ekadashi on Wednesday. PM Modi took to social media platform X to extend his wishes, praying for the blessings of Lord Vitthal to foster a society filled with joy and prosperity.

'Greetings on Ashadhi Ekadashi! May the blessings of Bhagwan Vitthal always remain upon us and inspire us to build a society filled with joy and prosperity. May this occasion also inspire devotion, humility, and compassion in us all. May it also motivate us to serve the poorest of the poor with diligence,' he stated. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his greetings on X.

'Happy Ashadhi Ekadashi to all! Best wishes to all Varkaris, devotees on the occasion of this Mangal day, which is famous for the worship of Vithumauli. May Shri Vitthal and Rakhumai bless us all with happiness, prosperity, and progress,' Shah shared. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in the Maha Puja at the Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mata Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.

'On the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, I had the privilege of visiting the Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur for the third consecutive year to perform the official pooja as per custom. My family, including my father Sambhaji Shinde, wife Mrs. Lata, son Dr. Shrikant, daughter-in-law Vrishali, grandson Rudransh, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, and my fellow ministers were present,' he remarked on X. Devotees also gathered at the Vitthal temple in Wadala, Mumbai, for prayers.

In Uttar Pradesh, followers offered their prayers by taking a holy dip in the Sangam in Prayagraj. Ashadhi Ekadashi, or Devshayani Ekadashi, holds significant religious importance among Hindus. The day is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to enter a deep sleep (Yoga Nidra) in the cosmic ocean of milk, Kshir Sagar, on this day, remaining in that state for four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi, marking the end of Chaturmas.

(With inputs from agencies.)