Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Invited for Kartiki Ekadashi Mahapuja at Pandharpur

Pandharpur is getting ready. Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Samiti has formally invited Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to perform the state Mahapuja for Kartiki Yatra 2026. A representative delegation led by Mandir Samiti Co-chairman Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar met the Deputy Chief Minister in Mumbai on Wednesday, November 4, to deliver the formal invitation.

Kartiki Ekadashi Mahapuja Schedule and Traditions

This year, Kartiki Ekadashi falls on Saturday, November 21, 2026. Following a cherished tradition, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra performs the annual Kartiki Mahapuja alongside an ordinary Varkari couple chosen to represent the millions of devotees across the state. The sacred ceremony begins at 2:20 AM inside the sanctum sanctorum of Shri Vitthal and Rukmini Mata.

Varkari traditions took center stage in Mumbai. Co-chairman Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar accorded Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde traditional honours, presenting him with an idol of Shri Vitthal, a Varkari patka, a veena, an uparne, and chipalya. Temple trustees stood by. The attending delegation included Pandharpur Municipal Council President Dr. Pranita Bhalke, Sambhaji Shinde, Dnyaneshwar Deshmukh (Jalgaonkar), Shakuntala Nadgire, Adv. Madhavi Nigade, and Prakash Javanjal.

Darshan Arrangements and Queue Management

The pilgrimage is just around the corner. Right now, the Mandir Samiti and district administration are wrapping up extensive ground arrangements to manage the influx of lakhs of Varkaris and devotees arriving in Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Mauli.

• Mukh and Padsparsha Darshan: Both uninterrupted Padsparsha Darshan (foot-touching) and swift Mukh Darshan (sight darshan) routes are organized with covered barricades to regulate flow from the 65-acre pilgrimage ground and riverbed approaches.
• Modified Temple Routine: To accommodate the heavy rush, the temple maintains round-the-clock darshan during peak festive days. Daily rituals including Kakad Aarti, noon Bhog Pooja, and Shej Aarti are conducted with streamlined schedules so ordinary devotees face minimal interruptions.
• Pilgrim Facilities: Clean drinking water points, medical first-aid stations, resting pavilions, and sanitation blocks are set up along the extended line to support elderly pilgrims and families.

Contribution to Chief Minister Relief Fund

Devotion went hand in hand with social responsibility. Mandir Samiti Co-chairman Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar handed over a donation cheque of Rs 2 crore from temple funds to the Chief Minister Relief Fund to bring relief to citizens hit by drought and natural adversities across Maharashtra. Temple staff contributed too. In an inspiring show of support, 220 administrative officers and employees of the temple trust donated one day of their salary, adding an extra Rs 2.50 lakh to the relief fund.

Practical Advice for Devotees

Kartiki Wari begins in eight days. Across Maharashtra, registered Dindis and Palkhi groups are now finalizing their travel schedules as they get ready to head toward Pandharpur. Devotees should plan ahead. Make sure to follow official temple notices for updates on waiting times and queue entries, and book special poojas only through the official temple portal to avoid unauthorized middlemen. With disciplined cooperation from every visiting Varkari, this sacred gathering ensures a smooth, peaceful darshan for everyone.