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Every year, thousands of devotees from across Maharashtra travel to Pandharpur in Solapur district to visit the temple of Lord Vitthal on Ashadhi Ekadashi. This year, Ashadhi Ekadashi falls on July 17, and the Central Railway has announced 64 special trains to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
The Maharashtra government has also declared a toll exemption for vehicles transporting devotees to Pandharpur. This waiver is effective from July 3 to July 21. Both light and heavy vehicles carrying pilgrims will be exempted from paying tolls and will receive special stickers and passes.
Special Trains for Devotees
To facilitate the pilgrimage, Central Railway stated in a post on X, "To facilitate devotees travelling for Ashadi Ekadashi, 64 special trains will be operated." For detailed information and schedules, devotees are encouraged to visit the official railway enquiry website or download the NTES app.
The journey known as 'wari' involves thousands of devotees walking to Pandharpur. The 'palkhis' (palanquins) of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar are significant parts of this pilgrimage. These palkhis will reach the Lord Vithoba temple in Pandharpur on July 17.
Toll Exemption for Pilgrims
A government notification issued on July 3 confirmed that vehicles carrying devotees would not have to pay tolls during the specified. Authorities have been instructed to ensure highway security patrolling near toll booths and repair roads leading to Pandharpur, including major highways like Sion-Panvel, Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Mumbai-Bangalore national highway, Pune-Solapur, and Pune-Satara-Solapur highways.
otees often chant hymns of Saint Dnyaneshwar and Saint Tukaram during their pilgrimage. The Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi left Dehu for Pandharpur on June 28, marking the beginning of this year's Ashadhi Wari.
The Central Railway's initiative aims to make travel easier for the large number of pilgrims expected this year. For more information about train schedules and other details, devotees can visit http://enquiry.indianrail.gov.in or use the NTES app.
This annual event sees lakhs of devotees converging in Pandharpur town, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with devotion and spirituality. The government's measures aim to ensure a smooth journey for all participants.
