LORD PANDURANGA VITHAL OF PANDHARPUR

PUJAS AND FESTIVALS

The routine worship is offered at five times a day. It begins with Kakadarati followed panchamruta puja. Afternoon worship consists of Naivedya. Dheepaarati is the next pooja and the last one is Shejarati. Elaborate rituals with hymns and songs to the accompaniment of music are observed with great fervour. Besides there are several periodical and occasional festivals like Panchamrita snana on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Every Ekadasi is a special occasion; Gokulashtami, the birth day of Krishna is celebrated with great pomp, when huge crowds overflow the banks and streets of this holy town. Ashada and Karthika masas also have great pull. The worship is carried on according to agamic injunctions by competent graded officials consisting of Badavas, Utpats, Pujaris, Benaris - hymnists, Paricharikas - bathmen, Haridasas - singers, Dingres - barbers, Danges - mase bearers, and Divetis - light men. The Badavas command great respect and occupy first place in the main temple and Utpats likewise in the Rukmini temple. A harmonious blend of Marathi and Kannada traditions are followed and they are being practised with great devotion.

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