The temple is considered to be a replica of Vitthal Mandir in Pandharpur.
On the eve of Ashadhi Ekadashi, devotees started visiting Wadala's Vitthal temple — which has completed its 399 years — to offer prayers and celebrate the festival.
For the visitors, who want to offer prayers to Lord Vitthal and his wife Rakhumai, the gates are open till midnight on Friday. Talking about other plans, 77-year-old Shashikant Govind Naik, president of the temple, said: "As many as 40 different groups will recite 40 bhajans. There will be over 150 dindis (processions) coming from different parts of the city. The devotees called as Warkari of Lord Vitthal bring the procession and walk around the temple."
To celebrate Ekadashi, the preparation started a month in advance. "Since more than three lakh visitors visit the temple, we need to take various permissions to organise the celebration. Many bhajan groups start booking in advance to perform and recite Dnyaneshwari a verse from Bhagvat Gita."
Since the temple is considered to be a replica of Pandharpur's Vitthal Mandir, devotees who can't visit Pandharpur on Ashadhi Ekadashi, visit this temple. "I have been visiting this temple every year during Ekadashi. I love to spend my time listening to the bhajans and looking at the procession," said 72-year-old Sarita Talekar, a resident of Wadala.
According to the history of this temple, the idol of Lord Vitthal is said to be brought by the warkaris from Chandrabhaga River situated in the south of Maharashtra. It is said that the locals in the area threw the idol in the river to save it from the Mughals.
While, the idol of Rakhumai was later installed besides Lord Vitthal over 50 years ago. In 1924, the Bombay High Court announced to form a five-member trust for this temple in which two representatives will be from Konkan region, two from Aagari and one from other caste. Later in 1950, the trust was registered under Bombay Public Trust Act.
A year-long program
Next year the temple will be completing 400 years. For this the temple authority has decided to conduct various events throughout the year. "We have decided to organise many events till we celebrate 400 year. More bhajans and various medical camps will be conducted," informed Naik.
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 "Wadala Temple Asadi Ekadashi Emmanual Karbhari")
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