Vithoba Temple Pandharpur and Brahma Temple Pushkar and a connection with Prabodhini Ekadashi

Talking about temples, these two places are home to one of the most divine and spectacular temples of India. But since the author of this blog has visited neither, so this article will be picture-less.

Prabodhini Ekadashi

The ekadashi which falls on the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month is Prabodhini Ekadashi. It marks the end of Chaturmas, the time when Vishnu wakes up from yog nidra or his four months long sleep. 

There are many reason why he goes to sleep, but suffice to say that when he wakes up, he is the most happiest and most benevolent. Right time to ask for something or do something important. 

For examples, this ekadashi also marks the beginning of marriage season commencing with tulsi vivah. All across India in one form or the other, Prabodhini Ekadashi is celebrated by some mega event.

Bramha Mandir, Pushkar

Among the over 500 temples in Pushkar, the most significant one is of the creator of the universe, Lord Bramha. Situated next to the lake, this temple was built by Vishwamitra to commemorate the great yajna performed by Bramha himself. The temple was later renovated by Adi Shankaracharya. There after it was continuously rebuild and repaired over all these years. 

Due to a curse by Savitri, the only temple permitted to worship Bramha should be at Pushkar. However a few other temples exist. 

Every year the Pushkar Fair begins on Prabodhini Ekadashi and continues till Kartik Purnima. Besides the traditional selling and buying of livestocks, mostly pilgrims come to bath in the lake and offer prayers to Bramha.

Kartiki Ekadashi Pandharpur Vitthal Rukmini Temple

Kartiki Ekadashi is one of the most important festivals celebrated at the Vithoba Temple at Pandharpur. Lord Vitthal is considered to be an avatar of Vishnu, this end of cosmic sleep is an occasion for lots of prayers at this historic temple.

Ashadi Ekadashi Wari, the other important festival of Maharashtra is at the beginning of the chaturmas is also called Shayani Ekadashi and is connected at one end with Kartiki Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi at the other end. 

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