On
the ekadashis the god is not put to sleep-be and the Badavas keep awake throughout the
night. There are certain other peculiar customs, for examples, from the fifth of Magh to
the fifth of Phaigun i.e. the Rangapanchami day, red powder (gual) is sprinkled on the
god's feet; and a special variety of turban is put on the head. Gokul ashtami or the
birth-day of Shri Krishna is observed with great pomp and ceremony. Kirtans and
pravachanas take place. During the two large fairs held in Pandharpur, in Ashadh and
Kartik the number of devotees gathering for the darshan is so large that the routine daily
services are suspended and only the morning worship takes place. The bed-chambers remain
closed and the god and the goddess are present in their respective shrines to meet the
devotees at all times. Approximately ten days after the yatra is over there takes place a
prakshala- puja, a wash-worship. On this occasion the most elaborate anointing
andsugar-rubbing take place so as to soothe the god who is supposed to be fatigued after
his constant presence in the shrine. People from, the town bring sweetened water to bathe
the god and a number of washes take place. However, the important aspect of the yatras is
not the temple rituals but the vast masses that gather here to meet the god on the
ekadashis of Ashadh and Kartik. A glimpse of the gathering and traditional practices
regarding it is given later on. |
