Vitthal or Pandurang is a well-known deity of Maharashtra. His temple in Pandarpur is very famous. Today we are going to discuss the history of Lord Vitthal and his importance in social reforms and spirituality. At the same time, we will understand the scientific reasons behind Ekadashi and fasting. It is very important that we must have this historical and scientific knowledge so we can pass it on to the next generation and keep our culture alive. Generally, I write blogs on festivals. But there is a need to understand the work and contribution of saints (संत) in Maharashtra. Ashadi Ekadashi is a festival for Warkaris (वारकरी).
What is Ekadashi?
Ekadashi means Eleven. Ekadashi is the eleventh day from the Full moon and the New moon. It comes twice a month. Ekadashi has significant importance in Hindu Religion. Many people observe fast on Ekadashi. There are scientific reasons behind it. You will be amazed about our ancestor's knowledge of astronomy and the human body.
Why do we observe fasting on Ekadashi?
As you know, fasting is good for physical purification. Day and night, our digestive system digests the food that we intake. Fasting gives rest to the digestive system and strengthens it. Most of the diseases are associated with our eating habits. These diseases come under control in the process of fasting.
Now the question is, when does one observe fasting? The ideal time is Ekadashi. It comes twice a month so we can observe fast once in 15 days. Why is Ekadashi the best day? The answer is the moon.
The moon creates atmospheric air pressure on the Earth due to gravitational pull. This pressure is highest on Poornima and Amavasya which gives rise to high tides and waves in the sea. The human body contains around 60% of water and the brain contains around 73% water. So you can imagine the effect of this pressure on the human body and mind. If we observe the fast on these days then it can affect our digestive system. Hence we eat fruits and certain light food though we keep fast. This atmospheric pressure is lowest on the Ekadashis. So it is safer to keep fast on Ekadashis for cleansing the digestive system. Grains absorb water so grains are prohibited on any fasting. Some people keep Nirjala Ekadashi to get the best results. Our ancestors knew these effects of the moon on our body so they suggested fasting on Ekadashis.
Lord Vitthal
Lord Vitthal is very special in Maharashtra. The word "Vitthal" is made up of the Marathi word (Vit - Brick) and the Sanskrit word (Sthal - Place/location) means 'The one who is standing (located) on the brick'. The story goes - There was a son Pundalik who was known for his unconditional love towards his parents. One day Lord Krishna (avatar of Lord Vishnu) came in the form of a black young boy to meet him. Pundalik was serving his parents at that time. The god had come to meet and he told him to stand and wait on a brick. The Lord Krishna was pleased with his devotion towards the parents and stayed there. Vitthal is also known as Vithoba (Vitha+baba), Vithai (Vitha+aai) and Pandurang. The timeline of this story is not known. But Adi Shankaracharya wrote 'Pandurangastkam' (पांडुरंगाष्टकम्) in 8th Century.
Vitthal and Social Reforms
In ancient times, our society was divided into Varna System. There were four Varnas - Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra. Shudras (untouchables) were getting inhuman and ill-treatment. They were not allowed to public places including temples. They had no right of worshiping, chant shlokas and perform rituals. These were the believed ways to reach the Supreme God. At that time, the message was spread by our saints that Lord Vitthal can be reached and pleased with devotion (Bhakti) and it gave rise to Bhakti Sampraday who is known as Warkari Panth.
It was started by Sant Dnyaneshwar (Brahman in 1275-1296). That's why Warkaris say 'Dnyaneshwar rachila paya' (ज्ञानेश्वर रचिला पाया). Sant Namdev (Tailor in 1270-1350) wrote short poems known as Abhang (unbreakable) and started Kirtan (repeat the songs) to teach these Abhangas to the general public to spread the faith in Vitthal. These Abhangas and Kirtan were free to women and untouchables. He wrote a famaous Aarati "Yuge atthavis vite vari ubha". Sant Janabai (servant of Sant Namdev) also wrote poems on Vitthal which are famous till today. Sant Eknath (Brahman in 1533-1599) again revived the Warkari panth. Sant Tukaram (Groceryman in 1568-1650) spread the faith in Vitthal throughout the Maharashtra region. That's why Warkaris say 'Tuka jhalase kalas' (तुका झालासे कळस).
The different saints from the different castes wrote devotional songs (Abhangas) and tried to open the knowledge to all the classes of society. Sant Sena (Barber), Sant Narhari (Goldsmith), Sant Savata (gardener), Sant Gora Kumbhar (potter), Sant Chokhamela (Mahar), Kanhopatra (dancer).
Why did they select Vitthal for this Social Reform? The other name of Vitthal is Pandurang (White colour). The one who is completely black can be named as Pandurang which shows no discrimination.
What is Ashadi Ekadashi?
Songs on Vitthal
1. विठ्ठल विठ्ठल जय हरी विठ्ठल।। जय जय विठ्ठल जय हरी विठ्ठल।।
2. टाळ वाजे, मृदंग वाजे, वाजे हरीची वीणा, माऊली निघाले पंढरपूरा, मुखाने विठ्ठल विठ्ठल म्हणा
3. तूझा रे आधार मला। तूच रे पाठिराखा।। तूच रे माझ्या पांडुरंगा।।
चूका माझ्या देवा। घे रे तुझ्या पोटी।। तुझे नाम ओठी सदा राहो।।
4. करूनी विठ्ठल नामाचा घोष | भक्तिभावाने जोडुनी कर | नतमस्तक होऊनी चरणी | करितो नमन एकादशीच्या दिवशी।।
5. भिडे आसमंती ध्वजा वैष्णवांची उभी पंढरी आज नादावली।। तुझे नाव ओठी तुझे रूप ध्यानी जीवाला तुझी आस का लागली ।। जरी बाप साऱ्या जगाचा परी तू आम्हा लेकरांची विठू माउली।।
6. युगे अठ्ठावीस विटेवरी उभा । वामांगी रखुमाई दिसे दिव्य शोभा । पुंडलिकाचे भेटी परब्रह्म आले गा ।
If you find this Blog informative then Share with your friends and relatives on the following Social Media 👇
0 Comments